Duranta
Duranta erecta
Also known as: Golden Dewdrop · Pigeon Berry · Gold Mound Duranta · Sapphire Showers Duranta
Year-round color in gold or purple — a SWFL shrub that earns its space every season.
Southwest Florida
Growing Duranta in SWFL
Duranta erecta comes in two very distinct cultivars at Rock & Rose: Gold Mound (compact, golden-yellow foliage, 2–3ft) and Sapphire Showers (taller, blue-purple flower clusters with golden berries, 6–15ft). Gold Mound is one of the most popular low-maintenance accent shrubs in SWFL — its bright foliage delivers year-round color without flowers. Sapphire Showers is a larger, cascading form used as a specimen or informal screen. Both attract butterflies and birds.
Plant Specifications
| Sun Exposure | Full sun — color and bloom are best with maximum sun |
|---|---|
| Water Needs | Low once established — drought tolerant |
| Salt Tolerance | Moderate — protected coastal locations |
| Cold Hardiness | Zone 9b — root hardy even if top-killed by frost |
| Mature Height | Gold Mound: 2–3ft / Sapphire Showers: 6–15ft |
| Mature Spread | Gold Mound: 3–5ft / Sapphire Showers: 5–10ft |
| Growth Rate | Moderate-fast |
Nursery stock photo
Live Inventory
Available Sizes
Frequently Asked Questions
Gold Mound Duranta is a compact cultivar grown for its bright golden-yellow foliage. It rarely blooms but provides constant foliar color at 2–3 feet. Sapphire Showers is a larger, upright form grown for its cascading clusters of blue-purple flowers followed by golden berries — it reaches 6–15 feet and is more of a specimen or screen plant.
Yes — Duranta berries are toxic if ingested. Both cultivars should be sited away from areas accessible to small children and pets. The plant is safe to handle and has no skin irritation concerns — the toxicity is ingestion-only.
Gold Mound is naturally compact but grows faster in SWFL's warm climate than in cooler states. Expect 2–4 feet with occasional shaping. It responds well to light trimming and maintains a neat mounded form with minimal maintenance.
Duranta is in stock.
Call to confirm sizing and current availability.